SLACKER 2011

What fun!!!!  A quintessential Austin made film remade 20 years later.  All 24 Austin filmmakers present afterwards to answer questions, take credit and just be spectacularly Austin!  Each filmmaker spent $500 on their bit, the acting was refreshing, unique, creative.  The characters are clearly smart, but boy do they slack!  Hats off to Austin Film Society for bringing this film back to life in a post-Slacker Austin.

It was clear that this energetic audience loved this remake.  Bravo!!!!

THE DEBT

Tonight Abe and I headed up to Westgate with complimentary tickets from Austin Film Festival to see THE DEBT with Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain, Tom Wilkinson, Ciaran Hinds.  We both thought this was a very good film and of course the subject matter spoke so personally to us:  Mossad agents in 1966 tracking down a Nazi butcher surgeon who brutalized Jews in the concentration camps.  The movie flips back and forth between 1997 and 1966.  The agents are asked to once again return to work to finish their  assignment.  What I enjoyed about this film was the era and the presentation of the Israeli agents:  smart, tough, sexy,  and  selfless in their desire to hunt evil Nazis and bring them to justice.   That was the image of Israel I grew up with.  The Mossad were the epitome of tough smart super spies. I realized throughout the film  I have missed seeing Israel as the good guys. The current situation does not allow for that.  We'll keep trying.

Came home to learn that AFS Essential Cinemas are back in business and learned from Chale and Agnes that Abe and I have complimentary season passes.  The first series of films are from Hong Kong filmmakers.  Thank-you AFS for your generosity, bringing us these films, Chale's humor and Slacker 2011 tomorrow night!

Came home to another request from  a  UT film student to be in a film.    The mother Sara in REQUIEM FOR A DREAM.  A Brooklyn Mom playing a Brooklyn Mom. What could be better?   I'm delighted!
Night y'all.

THE APARTMENT at the Paramount

What could be better than seeing this brilliant Billy Wilder film in an old landmark theater with Abe when it's 105 degrees?  This black and white film with Shirley MacLaine, Jack Lemmon and a very creepy Fred MacMurray is a reminder of films that just grabbed us, told stories of  common men and women, and were set in a time where the office Christmas party was the one opportune time to get crazy and get sexy.  Billy Wilder is not afraid to show corporate men as jerks, the endless supply of women at their beck and call, a nebbish loner who's not creepy and cute in his own way, great quintessential Jewish next door neighbors, and the world like it was in the late 50's and early sixties.  This is a terrific film and deserved all of it's Academy Awards.  Every film student should be required to see this film.  It's a classic.

AUDITION

Today I auditioned for a live theater performance.  Everything I've learned in acting classes was ignored by the director and kept me careful and confident.  The play seems lovely (everything will remain obscure because I am committed to no bad mouthing except for Rick Perry).  I felt badly for the playwright who was present.  The director gave me sides to read and then proceeded to talk, talk, talk.  I excused myself so I could study the part.  I was then coupled with a Brit to read who spoke like a leprechaun when his character spoke in voices.  He also mimed his actions which is something I've been taught NEVER to do.  I remembered and relied on  my teachers' instructions about not over acting, felt comfortable about sticking to what I know to be true and was happy for the experience.  And I do not think I would work with this director if chosen. You need to feel proud about your work.  On a happier note, I was cast in the UT film I auditioned for last night.  My pleasure!

IRENE

School's back on and the students are back to making films.  I just got back from an audition at the communications bldg.  While it was fun and energizing I can't get this damned hurricane off my own radar.  I came home to  photos of a desolate NYC on the internet.  SHUT DOWN.  In all the 60 years I lived in NYC the transit system was NEVER shut down. I NEVER missed a day of work at the hospital I worked at for 33 years because of weather.  I'd walk, subway, bus, anything to get in.  It was a hospital, there were babies, and the elderly and I had two more hands to offer. NYU Medical Center and  Coney Island Hospital and Staten Island Hospital are evacuated!!There's no internet service in Brooklyn and my last conversation with Pam reported rain, rain, and rain.   Josh has not made contact since this a.m. from D.C. so I called and he reports heavy rain, wobbly windows and 40mph wind...not as bad as what's expected in NY.   I'm looking forward to Monday. 

I'd love to think this is media hoopla.  I hope it is.

THE GUARD

Some time ago I read an article about the talented Mc Donagh brothers, screenwriters and playwrights.  It seems their parents left them in a flat in London alone when they were adolescents and the father had to return to Ireland for work.  They spent the next few years watching movies round the clock in their flat.  They did not go to school and began writing their own screenplays.And ya know what?  The world is much better for it.  Abe and I saw brilliant plays at the Public Theater and small east Village venues written by Martin.  And tonight we saw THE GUARD John's first film that he wrote and directed.  This Irish cops and  drug smugglers film is so unique and witty and filled with good fun dialogue.  Brendan Gleeson is brilliant as a fleshy local Irish cop and Don Cheadle plays an FBI agent with an upper class pedigree very believably.  What a talented cast!  I loved this film, Abe really liked it as well.

After, we ate at Polvo's.  As always delicious, fresh and inexpensive.  The students are back in town.  Yay!  I came home to an invite to be in a students film.  It is my pleasure!

Fashion in Austin?????? PHOTOS

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150350538271477&set=a.10150350538221477.398863.606101476&type=1&ref=nf

It Rained Today

5 minutes.  "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" is what I was taught as a little girl in the Bronx.  The South had it's influence.  My Dad was stationed in Kentucky and my Mom ran away to marry him down there.  Thus my name, Addie.  Short for Addie Mae.

Fashion in Austin??????

Every year I laugh at the oxymoron of Fashion Week in Austin.  I did love the graphic posters that advertised the week for months now.  But the hoopla always felt like NY wannabe and for me misses the mark about the uniqueness of Austin style.  EXCEPT for tonight when LOVELY, the fabulous vintage consignment shop on S lst had an outdoor  runway fashion show  of Anslee Connell's designs, all plus sized clothing, all plus sized models and many beautiful plus sized women in attendance.  There was donated food that was pretty awesome, black bean chips, salsas and some great pie.  Drinks (carrot juice and vodka) and natural iced tea.  Sure it was hot as hell (69th day of 100+) but these fashions were so upbeat, bright and sexy and the shoes, hair and make-up!!!!  Everyone who knows me knows I hit the gym every day to keep me fit (can't help aging but being fit helps.)  And tonight I watched women feeling good about themselves in the very supportive atmosphere of the Lovely Boutique and I felt so fortunate to be there with these women.  Izzy Cox provided great entertainment singing and strumming...she's a hoot!  Danielle and Jane you are a class act and this was a classy night!

Earthquake in D.C.

I walked home in 105 degree heat counting my steps and singing!  I'm a walker when Abe has the car.  I left Dougherty Arts Center where I had a rehearsal and walked to Lovely where I bought a new summer dress for FREE. It's a vintage consignment store that credits me for clothing I recycle (Liz taught me there is enough clothes in the world and you don't need to buy new).  I listened and though I was hot I was happy.

The first news item I saw on my computer was an earthquake hit D.C. and here I am in Austin!  I can't get through on Josh's cellphone but I notice Capital Bikehare has posted about their bikes.  So I post a note "call home".  His name is Moskowitz and mine is Alexander so he won't be embarrassed at work.  (I hope).  Liz, take note.  Don't change your last name so you can communicate to kids without embarrassment.

Austin Film Society/DADDYLONGLEGS

Tonight the Safdie Brothers were in town at the Alamo Ritz bringing us their acclaimed indie film DADDY LONGLEGS.  This autobiographical film brings us their chaotic lives as kids while living with their Dad for 2 weeks in his studio apt in midtown Manhattan.  This is no yuppie life packed with lessons and playdates.  Dad is a projectionist who is incapable of providing adequate parenting.  Yet the brothers portray their Dad with compassion and love.  There is no anger here and instead of shaking your fists at the screen you are left to open your heart and mind to this relationship.  Proof of the pudding is the two young men who remained for a Q&A.  They are   intelligent, sensitive, creative and warm  and seemed to love talking about their film and their lives.  They acknowledge their mother as having provided the stability and structure that counter balanced their dad.  The role of Dad is played by Ronald Bronstein, a filmmaker.  He is brilliant and intense as Lenny.  The boys are non-actors (Ranaldo Brothers) and were quite believable.   It was good to see a gritty NY with a public school teacher with a black eye.  That's what public schools were like in the 80's.  Every hippie with a B.A.was a teacher.

Abe, Liz and I agreed that this was a great film.  Go see it!

Barry Jenkins' Shorts/Texas Filmmakers Production Fund

Every year the Austin Film Society gives grants to Texas indie filmmakers through the TFPF.  I love seeing the winners during SXSW or AFF when they have short clips of the recipients telling us how grateful they are for the grant.  Tonight we saw shorts by Barry Jenkins one of the non-Texas panelists who will judge the films being considered.  These shorts were sweeeeeeet for the most part about love and relationships.  One was harrowing about a young boy finding a gun and you know the rest!  The boy who acted in this film was authentic, real and so moving.  Not surprisingly, a non-actor found in a community center in Tallahassee, Fla.  Barry Jenkins is a creative, motivated, unpretentious, and very warm filmmaker.  His sweet nature comes shining through in his view of people, love, other cultures and languages.  Abe and I were delighted by these films.

Before this it was nachos and margaritas at Ria's. Thank-you Ria!

Shout Out To Marco

Well here ya go Marco.  I'm not someone who sucks up to teachers so take this from the heart and mind. When I come home from Acting Class and watch the dvd you've made I am so aware of what you've taught me.  And when I come home from auditions I am SO AWARE of what I have learned from you.  Today there were 5 people in the class and I was worried about energy.  It's August don't forget!  But what a class it was!  I memorized lines without fear, worked with generous actors, that's you (Rudi, Cody and Jeff) and had fun and learned, learned, learned.  And Marco didn't yell at me!  What more could an acting student ask for?  

Stav Heads East

Tonight we had our last Shabat dinner together before Stav heads off to Rutgers for graduate school.  I love these 3 girls (young women)...Stav, Lindsey and my girl Elizabeth.  They've been together for 5 years now since living together at the Pearl St co-op and attending UT classes together.  When Liz was in Hong Kong Stav and Lindsey would come for Friday night dinner periodically and remind me of their closesness to Liz.  I have watched Stav blossom into a beautiful young woman who is much more confident and less shy than when we first met.  She is so smart and level headed and a pleasure to be with.  Her views about the world and what's important in life are commendable.  She's off to study American Studies at Rutgers in Newark, New Jersey and I just know the world will be better for it.  We ate lasagne, salad and home baked peanut butter cookies.  Once again I loved cooking for people I love.  Night y'all.

Rick Perry

I know what my friends back  in NY are thinking.  I know what most Austinites are thinking and saying.  I get endless posts about his  stupid and uneducated statements. His lackluster academic life and career.  I even got a U-tube post from a stripper telling me why she's endorsing Perry.   But when my kid asks me "how can we have a president who doesn't believe in global warming or evolution?" And I might add anything more than abstinence for sex education when Texas has the 3rd highest number of teen age pregnancies in the country?  When the highest risk  of incarceration for most prisoners is having had a teenager for a Mom!!  I guess he'll do nothing to prevent this short of executing them.     This is scary scary scary!   God help us all!

AMERICAN FAMILY PHOTO

Today Abe and I and Liz as well were the subjects in a project being conducted by the photographer Liz works for as his assistant.  The project created and photographed by Geoffrey Kroll was born out of the post 9/11 project I AM AN AMERICAN.  And so Geoffrey will photograph families in their environment in the hopes that all of these different families will emerge as the very diverse and inclusive look of American families, rather than the traditional family as depicted by the media.  He was an interesting guy, pleasant, smart, fun to talk to.  Most important, Liz enjoys working with him.  Nice!!

THE HELP at the Westgate

I enjoyed reading Kathryn Stockett's book last year and didn't agree with the criticism she received regarding her choice of subject matter.   I have always seen films about the Deep South in New York City surrounded by people like me (Northerners) or immigrants.  Tonight the theater was packed with  Southern women,  and I was very aware that what I was watching on the screen was a reenactment of the lives these women have led.  It made a difference for me and I realized even more so the journey one must overcome to be like the journalist in the film, the young woman who interviews the maids and asks them how they feel about their employers, their charges, their lives. It takes a special kind of person to step back from what's been ingrained into them and see people as people.  And to question the status quo, the law of their land, their historic culture.   I was happy to hear that some of the "help" had a kind employer here and there, made it more real.  This film is about a shameful time in our history, the 1960's where it seems there was an assassination every month!  Where many whites fought so hard to keep our lives separate and unequal.   This film was so well acted by Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Sissy Spacek (she was a hoot!) and Cicely Tyson.  Jessica Chastain will make every guy's heart flutter she's so beautiful!  And acts well too.

It's not a perfect film but an important story about women standing up for their dignity, their rights, their souls, their lives.  We need more films like this for young women to see.  Films like this teach us how to find courage and how to behave when everyone is behaving miserably.

As an aside,  I just loved that the young woman who emerged with the voice of conscience had curly hair!

Plain Ol' Day in Austin #2

The gym, the refrigerator repair guy, cleaning and cooking.  Dinner with Abe and Liz (nice when she joins us).  And the evening ends with a new episode of THE CLOSER with Kyra Sedgwick.  I don't care for much TV outside of Law and Order but this character is a hoot and I just love watching her.  Shhhhh...don't tell....my confession to JUNK...Desperate Housewives of N.J.   You can stop laughing! Night y'all.

AMARCORD at the Paramount/Frank's

I know why Fellini took four Academy Awards for best foreign film after seeing AMARCORD (I Remember) today with Abe.  His view of family, school, friends, townspeople, teachers is presented without protective filters and they are  real, funny (sometimes hysterical) and so personal.  He doesn't hide that his parents fought at the dinner table each night, that his grandpa farted, that his self-centered gigolo uncle could continue eating while holding his plate regardless of any catastrophe.  His adolescent friends are quirky, hipster and goonieish, and the sexy women in his town are presented like he remembers...big boobs, big tushes, very flirtatious.  The actress who plays the town prostitute/crazy is brilliant in her performance.  I just loved this film.

Took Abe to Frank's afterwards on 4th and Colorado.   That big ol warehouse reminds me of our loft on 12th St.  Good and cheap food.  Great drinks served in jam jars.  Great service too.

MAO'S LAST DANCER

We saw this at home on dvd this evening.  A remarkable true story based on the autobiography of Li Cunxin, a world famous Chinese dancer who defected from China in the 1970's.  His story of sacrifice, determination, perseverance and his mother's willingness  to let him go to find a better life for himself is one that I always find appealing.  Shot in China and Houston, with Chinese and Texans facing off at the embassy regarding Li's deportation, all made this film  personal and spell binding.  While the acting isn't perfect the dancing sure is!  We both loved it and cried when Li's parents are brought to the U.S. to see their son dance.

Earlier in the day I auditioned and was called back in to read again by The Trinity Street Players for a role in THREE VIEWINGS.  I did not get cast (phooey) but was very pleased to learn of this community theater so close to home.  Will keep trying.

Dinner was at the SNACK BAR at So Congress.  Disappointing.  Otherwise, a full day filled with the good life. 

Students of the World

For two summers Elizabeth traveled as a UT student with a group of UT students to document global issues for this non-profit organization.  First Thailand and Cambodia to make a film about a woman who runs a school that protects children from  trafficking.  The next summer she went to Paraguay where she used her skills as a photographer to document a farm where teens from the countryside learned sustainable farming and marketing of their produce.  When people asked me if I was afraid for her safety I let my pride  help me put my fears aside.  Abe fully supported her  work with SOW and her travels and shared my pride.  I can't endorse this program enough.  The Students of the World summit is here in Austin this week-end.  There's been a flurry of activity for fund raising and promoting this amazing program.  AFS hosted a doc- in- progress at their studios.  The students from the universities that are alumni of SOW have gone on to do amazing things with their lives, to benefit the world and document their activities.  Check out the Students of the World website...you won't be disappointed.

Students of the World - Home

SARAH's KEY at the Violet Crown

I cried and cried and cried and cried some more during the first half of this film.  To see the French families treated with absolute brutal disregard , cruelty and violence by their countrymen because they were Jews makes one shake fists at the screen and the heavens.  I pictured Abe and me, Josh and Elizabeth in these deportations and cried some more.  The novel by Tatiana de Rosnay tells a great story and the movie does more than an adequate job in telling this tale on film.  Kristin Scott Thomas and Melusine Mayance are fine actors as the journalist and Sarah.  Aidan Quinn was a surprising cast member and I liked the role so I ended up liking his performance.  This is a sad tale of  France's shameful participation in the multitudes of Jews sent to their deaths in Auschwitz.  I came home to my family and made dinner.  How fortunate we are. 

PICKPOCKET at the Paramount

An old French film (1959) directed by Robert Bresson who does not believe in actor's emoting.  He is a devout Catholic who refers to his actors (lay people) as models.  He instructs them to just read lines and not emote at all.  They follow his direction and the result is flat, flatter, flattest. All of this is no explanation for my desire to pull my hair out while watching this  film.  I would have given anything for Pacino to have played the pickpocket with a NY accent (Italian or Puerto Rican).  As you may deduce this film was not a favorite of mine. Abe thought it was  "interesting."  Night y'all.

Warren Jeffs Gets Life Plus 20

Forgive the seriousness of this post which is not about culture, the arts, food and wonderful people I've met in Austin.  This last month has brought me right back to my work, my identity, and the world I lived in for 36 years.  I had been a social worker for 36 years back in NY with a specialty in the abuse and neglect of children and oftentimes their mothers.   The cases of Casey Anthony and Warren Jeffs have brought me right back to all of the kids I advocated for.  Bear with me.  I had babies as young as 18 months who presented to the hospital with positive gonorrhea cultures, 5y.o. boys turned out as chicken prostitutes with flaming dyed blonde hair, 3 month olds left in the care of 8 year olds with severe burns to the face; numerous drug addicted neonates, adolescent mothers who were illiterate and the mothers of multiple incestuous births.  Babies who were malnourished, infected with preventable diseases and hearing impaired kids thought to be retarded.  I LOVED my work.  It's the world Abe and I lived  with as we raised Josh and Elizabeth.  And while I hated the circus of the Anthony trial  today I found comfort as a Texas jury did the right thing in less than 30 minutes.  They found Warren Jeffs,  this HORRIBLE pedophile, guilty.  I hope forever that his victims find peace.

Lasagne For Reed

A farewell dinner for Reed before he heads off to Missoula for 2 months.  Reed drives off to Midland, NM, Nevada (a favorite Basque restaurant) and then rents a place for a bunch of time in Missoula.  So tonight we feasted on olives, garlic bread, salad, lasagne and drank lots of wine.  Laughed and learned more about our friend who had the courage to separate from the oilmen Republicans from his hometown. It's always a pleasure to hear his stories about his journey.  Josh and Liz really enjoyed this new found friend as well.  We'll miss you Reed.

This Is Not the PLANET OF THE APES

We saw this latest planet of the apes movie and it was pretty awful.  Josh warned us and headed back to D.C. before we headed to Westgate.  Liz and Abe liked the computerized apes and some of the "monkey scenes."  I longed for the compassion I felt at the 1968 original, particularly for the women apes.  You can pass this one up.

The end to a good family few days together.  Life goes on.   Fingers crossed that soon this drought will end.  My garden is stressed and spent.  I'd like to make these flowers/plants  happy...like a family, my family.

Karaoke at Ego's With Liz and Friends

Today Josh and Liz hit Barton Springs for a few hours.  We then started the night at Polvo's my kids' favorite restaurant hands down.  No matter where we take them Polvo's remains this family's favorite.  Then we headed over to Ego's where we watched the amazing Lindsey perform two karaoke songs (one a rap!) and Liz perform as well  (absolutely adorable!)  Then Liz and I sang YOUR SO VAIN that great Carly Simon song  while Josh took pictures as did Abe.  What a hoot!  What a fun night!  We left Josh with Liz and her friends at Ego's and today my boy told me  "I love this town, maybe I'll go to grad school here."  Another Park Slope transplant in the making I hope.

La Fonda de San Miguel/LaLa's

Tonight a great meal at this gorgeous restaurant with delicious Interior Mexican food.  Liz, Josh, Abe and Reed...good company, good laughs.  Then we went to LaLa's a dive bar with great juke box and Christmas decorations.  During the day Josh and I saw A Tribe Called Quest...#2 for me!  Had to see that hip hop film with Josh....he used to go to bed with their CD playing in his ears.  Good NY back in the day film.  Night y'all.

My Kid Bicycles Austin

Josh begins bicycling this a.m. with Reed and Abe.  Their one hour ride in 78704.  He takes off this afternoon for the bike path on the East Side all the way to the airport and passes the railroad tracks, abandoned auto parts stores and plenty of shacks.  He loves the ride and ends up at Iron Cactus and then meets Liz at Freddies for cheap drinks and games.  They're off to Tex Mex and Social Biking this evening.  It's 105 and no one's complaining.  I'm not the only one who loves Austin!

A Son Returns Home

It's been 9 months since Josh was home...in Austin.  He loves it here and hasn't complained once about not having parents in Park Slope.  He does go back to Brooklyn to see friends but "home" now for the Moskowitz clan is Austin, Texas.  We'll all 4 be together for the first time in a year.  The day was spent baking deep dish brownies, shopping at Central Market for all of his favorites, making up the futon, Abe clearing his papers off of the futon, and driving Liz to a job interview and a meeting.  While Austin is hot neither of the kids complain.  They grew up without a.c. and NY summers were hot!  They bike all over (he's coming in time for Social Biking) and he and Abe will hit the tennis courts early in the a.m.  I guess we're lucky.  These kids grew up in a city without privilege and  behave that way...without privilege.  The plane lands at midnight.  We'll be there.

Happy Birthday Judith

It's hot here in Austin but you adjust.  First the gym for cycling and yoga.  Then Bouldin Creek Coffee Shop to celebrate Judith's birthday.  Not easy making new friends when you relocate to a brand new place well after the years of school and work.  Judith has been a great find and helps to interpret Texas for me.

Get to see more of Liz these days and that makes me lucky as well.  I love her latest posts on her photo blog. Check them out.

Liz Moskowitz Photography 

SARAH'S KEY/Matzoh Ball soup

It's 100+ degrees in Austin but the house is cool and comfortable and so Abe and Liz got matzoh ball soup.  And Mom got compliments.  Nice to be able to make people you love happy by cooking a favorite dish.

Started SARAH'S KEY, a historic novel about the French behavior toward Jews during WWII.  As always when reading books about the holocaust I am reminded of Abe's adventure to this country at the age of 3 from Berlin.  Crossed the ocean on a big boat with his mom and twin sister to a new world, not a very comfortable one.  His Mom survived the camps and his Dad was in Siberia.    A one room apt, a Mom who worked morning and night as a housekeeper with bare bone comfort.  But she loved him immensely and he emerged with the kindest of hearts and the ability to flawlessly reach out to others who otherwise would go unnoticed.  His compassion is unparalleled.  Now if I could only get him to like doing pots!